I’ve Been Going to Disneyland for 23 Years and These Are the Things I Do Every Time

Has anyone else been going to Disney Parks since before they could talk?

Like so many Disney adults, the love for Disney runs through generations in my family which is why Disneyland trips were frequent and started at a very young age. Over time, I’ve developed some habits that are ALWAYS on my must-do list and I’m sharing those with you today!

Rope Drop Fantasyland

Are the biggest and best rides in Disneyland located in Fantasyland? No. However, there’s something about starting your day in an original part of the park with rides Walt Disney had a direct hand in creating. What can I say, it gets me all in my nostalgic feels!

Also, from a logistical standpoint, this is an ideal place to start if you buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass (which is very worth it in my opinion for the number of rides included). None of the classic Fantasyland rides offer a Lightning Lane option, and since they are so close together, you can knock them out quickly one after the other.

It’s important to note that Peter Pan’s Flight tends to get the longest line first thing in the morning. Because of that, I tend to skip it until later in the day…or skip it altogether (I know, don’t come at me Peter Pan fans 😬).

Dole Whip + Tiki Room = Perfection

Yay! This is one of our favorite Dole Whip hacks to ever exist. Did you know you can purchase a delicious Dole Whip from Tiki Juice Bar and then bring it with you inside the Enchanted Tiki Room?

This is my go-to afternoon activity when the park is busy and all of the wait times are high. You get to enjoy an iconic Disney treat while resting your legs and enjoying a classic animatronic show.

The menu at Tiki Juice Bar is simple, limited to a regular Dole Whip or Dole Whip Float, but really, you don’t need anything else! This spot offers Mobile Order or you can walk up to the counter and order.

Meet Everyone’s Favorite Honey-Loving Bear!

You’d think the must-do character meet and greet at Disneyland would be Mickey Mouse, and for many visitors it is. However, I’m headed over to Bayou Country to see Winnie the Pooh!

This is a newer addition to the list (although I’ve always loved meeting characters) but after one interaction, it became a staple on my list. You know when you’re going through a rough time and you get a hug from a Disney character that alters your brain chemistry? That’s what happened to me with Winnie the Pooh back in 2022 so now I always have to go say “hello” and ask him how many pots of honey he’s eaten that day.

Then, you can walk a few steps and hop on his ride — The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!

There are so many unique characters around Disneyland, so I highly recommend making time to see a few of them. Who knows — you might run into them just walking to your next attraction!

Make “Main Street Time”

“Main Street Time” is something I made up to dedicate a solid hour or so walking up and down Main Street, U.S.A. This usually begins with grabbing a treat at Candy Palace. When in doubt, go with the giant Mickey cookie!

Then it’s time to go through each of the shops. This is another activity that’s ideal for the afternoon when long lines are unavoidable at rides. Just don’t get caught in the parade crowds on Main Street — those are no joke!

After going through all of Main Street, this is another time when you have a golden opportunity. Go around to the front of the train station and take a picture! When you originally enter the parks, you’re probably focused on getting inside and starting on your game plan. But now that the pace has slowed down, it’s a great time to snap that iconic photo.

Say “Thank You, Walt”

And finally, no Disneyland trip would be complete without thanking the man who started it all. Yes, Walt Disney has been gone for many years now, but his spirit lives on in his apartment above the Fire Station. While Disneyland was being built, Walt had an apartment built here so he had a place to go after long days or to spend time with family.

Whether you’re a Disney history nerd like me or it’s your first time to the park, there’s something special about looking up at that Victorian-style lamp in the window. I’m getting chills just thinking about it!

There you have it! Those are the top things I do every single time I visit Disneyland Resort. Do you have any traditions when you visit the parks? Please let me know in the comments and stay tuned for more from AllEars!

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